Found a neat blast from the recent past at the Ohio Gun Collectors Association show last weekend. Smith and Wesson only made the titanium frame model 296 in .44 Special from 1999-2001. Looking much like a Smith and Wesson Bodyguard .38 Spec. on steroids they did not have access to the hammer, so you can't cock these guns. That being the case I think this would have looked better with the profile of the Centenial model. Obviously S&W thought otherwise. The boot grips are adequate and ideal for concealment. The guns are not designed to use anything larger than a 200 grain bullet. Recoil is stout but if you do your part this gun will serve well in its intended role of self defense revolver for those with ample pockets... These are however fairly rare and even though they are of recent manufacture, Smith and Wesson collectors seek them, so it may be wise to leave them as pristine as possible.
